Silent Hill: Homecoming: Enemy/Boss Guide

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Silent Hill: Homecoming
Boss/Enemy Guide
Version 1.03
By Travis Rappa (Dauragon C Mikado88)
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Version 1.00
Began the FAQ. All enemies and bosses have been added with basic strategies.
New updates will include grammatical fixes, additional strategies and some
background information.
Version 1.01
-Added FLAWLESS strategies for Nurses and Needlers. I also improved on the
Sepulcher strategy.
Version 1.02
-Made the Needler strategy even more...flawless.
-Mentioned the upgrades to each weapon in the Weaponry section, as well
as where you find each one. I noticed the Crowbar is actually the
Steel Pipe replacement and not its own weapon. However I still kept it
as its own weapon since it's still fairly harder to come by than the other
hidden weapons and is particularly useful for Scarlet.
-Added Crowbar as good weapon against Lurkers.
-Corrected 'Order Follower' with its official name 'Order Soldier'.
-Added some minor extra tactics against Order Soldiers.
-Minor typo corrections.
Version 1.03
-Made a little note about the Laser Pistol.
-More typo corrections, especially a fairly big one on the Copyright
section.
-Changed 'Stomp of Death' to 'Stomp of Doom' (sounds better, eh?)
-Added a new section to 'Combat Techniques' named 'Counterattacking'
I did receive a few submissions improving on certain strategies,
I am still going through most of them and checking how well they
work so I will most likely start adding some by the next update.
I am looking for very effective means of defeating Smogs and Siams
using melee only. If you know a strategy that avoids damage or
take very little, please submit me one!
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Table of Contents
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Please use the Find function in your web browser and type in the numbers listed
in parenthesis to quickly find what you are looking for.
I. Introduction (1000)
II. Combat Techniques (2000)
2a. Dodging (2001)
2b. Counterattacking (2002)
2b. Melee Attacks (2003)
2c. Firearms (2004)
2d. Stomp of Doom (2005)
III. Weaponry (3000)
3a. Knife (3001)
3b. Steel Pipe (3002)
3c. Fireaxe (3003)
3d. Crowbar (3004)
3e. Circular Saw (3005)
3f. Handgun (3006)
3g. Shotgun (3007)
3h. Rifle (3008)
3i. Laser Pistol (3009)
IV. Enemies (4000)
4a. Nurses (4001)
4b. Swarm (4002)
4c. Lurker (4003)
4d. Feral Dogs (4004)
4e. Smog (4005)
4f. Needler (4006)
4g. Schism (4007)
4h. Siam (4008)
4i. Order Soldiers (4009)
V. Bosses (5000)
5a. Sepulcher (5001)
5b. Scarlet (5002)
5c. Asphyxia (5003)
5d. Curtis (5004)
5e. Amnion (5005)
VI. Contact Info (6000)
VII. Copyright/FAQ Usability Note (7000)
NOTE: This guide was written with the standard 'Normal' mode difficulty in
mind. While this guide can be used for tactics on Hard mode, actual hits it
may take to defeat a boss may vary.
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I. INTRODUCTION (1000)
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Silent Hill: Homecoming marks the first Silent Hill title to be released on
the PlayStation 3. Being developed by a new company, Double Helix Games, many
diehard Silent Hill fans were concerned about how scary the game would be,
and most importantly - how scary the monsters would be! I believe it is safe
to say that the monsters and bosses in Homecoming are just as terrifying as
we've come to know from all the previous Silent Hill games. Each monster and
boss for their matter has their own strength and weaknesses, and this guide
is here to help you perfect your strategies against all enemies, especially
when using melee combat.
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II. COMBAT TECHNIQUES (2000)
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You will undoubtedly be spending most of your time using a melee weapon in
combat, and at times also a firearm to deal with your enemies. As such, it's
important to master the combat controls and the most important button of all:
the dodge button.
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2a. DODGING (2001)
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Dodging is executed by pressing the O (Circle) button. A successfully timed
dodge will allow you to evade an enemy's strike, and counterattack with your
own strike by quickly following up with the X or [] (Square) button. Depending
on where you move the analog stick in junction with the Circle button, you
will dodge in that direction. It is also possible to parry enemy attacks by
pressing the Circle button almost immediately before the enemy would have
hit you. While not as effective as a well-timed dodge, it is the games way
of rewarding you for a near-miss block.
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2b. COUNTERATTACKING (2002)
-----------------------------------
Counterattacking is executed immediately by pressing X or Square after a
successful dodge. Dodging and counterattacking is an effective strategy
against most monsters, especially bosses, as it can usually lead to combos
in a more vunerable point on a monster. For example, dodging and countering
a Siam or Needler in the back is very effective. Most monsters are vunerable
to back attacks and dodging + counterattacking is the way to do it.
-----------------------------------
2c. MELEE ATTACKS (2003)
-----------------------------------
Melee can be executed in 2 forms: a light attack (X) and a heavy attack
(Square). Light attacks are quick and may temporarily disorient an enemy but
will not stun them or knock them back. Depending on the weapon, there is a
set amount of consecutive light attacks possible; however at the end of a
light attack combo, a heavy attack can be used to finish off the chain. Heavy
attacks are capable of stunning and knocking back an enemy, and can even lead
to a fatality-type attack in which Alex instantly kills the enemy. Heavy
attacks can be 'charged' by holding down Square, doing do will usually knock
the enemy over or stun them depending on health and allow you to finish them
off with another press of Square. However a fully charged heavy attack is
hard to pull off.
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2d. FIREARMS (2004)
-----------------------------------
As you probably expect, firearms are the long-range weaponry of the game.
Firearms will not be used as much as you might expect due to the low hold
capacity rate Alex has. However firearms are very useful when dealing with
multiple enemies or your health is very low without recovery items. Firearms
are readied with the L2 button and fired with the R2 button. A weapon bash
can be performed by pressing X while the weapon is readied. It will take some
time to get used to the firearm controls if you primarily use melee weapons.
Unlike melee weapons, aiming for vital spots is important. I will list some
enemy weak points in the monster sections.
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2e. STOMP OF DOOM (2005)
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Yes the infamous Stomp of Doom has returned in Homecoming but unfortunately
to my understanding it can only be used to squish Swarm enemies.
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III. WEAPONRY (3000)
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MELEE WEAPONS
-----------------------------------
*************************************
3a. THE KNIFE (3001)
Quickness: 5/5
Power: 2/5
Overall: 5/5 (The best melee weapon)
*************************************
The good old Combat Knife. Usually the knife is always seen as a 'last resort'
weapon with very weak damage, but surprisingly, the knife is probably the
best melee weapon in Homecoming. The knife, while fairly weak, its rapid
slashes and quick heavy attacks allow you to keep almost any enemy at bay. As
you will come to see in the Enemy/Boss sections, the knife will appear almost
every time for recommended weapon. View the sections below for some tactics
with the knife against various enemies. The knife is also used for 'Cut'.
The upgrade to the knife is the Ceremonial Dagger automatically obtained
later in the game, however I am not sure of any noticable differences
between it and the regular combat knife.
*************************************
3b. THE STEEL PIPE (3002)
Quickness: 3/5
Power: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
*************************************
What's a Silent Hill game without the trusty Steel Pipe? In Homecoming the
Steel Pipe is the second melee weapon you will obtain in the game. It is a
fairly balanced melee weapon all across the board. Once you master the knife
you will most likely not use the pipe, and you'll probably use the Fireaxe
or Crowbar when you need a stronger weapon, so unfortunately the pipe doesn't
get too much loving in the usefulness department. The pipe is also used for
'Pry'.
*************************************
3c. THE FIREAXE (3003)
Quickness: 2/5
Power: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
*************************************
The Fireaxe is the 'powerful but slow' melee weapon of the game. Being
effective with the Fireaxe can actually be a challenge as enemies will
counterattack you during the slow swings, especially when charging up a heavy
attack. However if you land it, the damage dealt is devastating. The Fireaxe
is also used for 'Hack'. An upgrade, Pulaski Axe is in a truck just outside
the Prison entrance, it provides greater power than the Fireaxe.
*************************************
3d. THE CROWBAR (3004)
Quickness: 3/5
Power: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
*************************************
The Crowbar is a hidden weapon in 'Hell's Decent' that can be missed for the
entire game. Its main purpose is to make the Scarlet fight a lot easier, but
I also consider it in the middle of the Steel Pipe and Fireaxe in terms of
effectiveness. If you obtain it, I would recommend using it when not using
the knife. The weapon also replaces the Steel Pipe completely.
*************************************
3e. CIRCULAR SAW (3005)
Quickness: 1/5
Power: 4.5/5
Overall: 2/5
*************************************
The Circular Saw is obtained in the Garage of Alex's house ONLY after you've
completed the game once. Unfortunately the weapon is very slow and even for
its power, doesn't make up for the beatings you will receive in counterattacks
from the monsters. I do not recommend using this weapon much besides the
entertaining effect of hitting things with a chainsaw.
-----------------------------------
FIREARMS
-----------------------------------
*************************************
3f. HANDGUN (3006)
*************************************
The Handgun is automatically obtained from Curtis shortly after exiting the
Graveyard. While not incredibly powerful, knowing where to aim can make the
difference of 5-6 bullets and 2 bullets. The Chrome Hammer pistol upgrade
can be found in the graveyard behind some boards. Requires the Fireaxe.
*************************************
3g. SHOTGUN (3007)
*************************************
The Shotgun is automatically obtained from Wheeler in the Sheriff's Station.
The shotgun allows a greater deal of aiming freedom, and can kill most
monsters in 1-2 shots with a near direct shot to an up-close monster. Can
be upgraded to a Bluesteel Shotgun which is found in the father's basement
room in the Shephard's house.
*************************************
3h. RIFLE (3008)
*************************************
The Rifle is an optional weapon that you can obtain either at the Silent Hill
Cemetery after discovering all 3 gems, or obtaining the Police Rifle in the
final area in one of the rooms. The Rifle is in the middle between the handgun
and the shotgun fired at close range. It's a hassle to get and is not important
to complete the game at all. The Police Marksman Rifle is found in the last
area, in one of the rooms.
*************************************
3i. LASER PISTOL (3009)
*************************************
This hidden weapon is obtained after completing the game and seeing the UFO
ending. The weapon is located in Joshua's room in subsequent playthroughs.
It has unlimited ammo and can defeat most enemies in just a few hits.
Because of how powerful this weapon is, and how easily it dispatches
enemies, it will obviously not be included as a recommended weapon.
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IV. ENEMIES (4000)
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4a. NURSE (4001)
---------------------------------------------
Effective Weapon(s): Knife, Handgun
The Nurses are surprisingly the first enemy you will encounter in the game.
The best offense is the best defense against Nurses, as they can be relentless
in attacks if you give them an opening. The first weapon you'll even be able
to use against them is the Knife, which generally is the best melee weapon
to use. Do the full X (x3) + Square knife combo that ends with the spin
slash. Do not attempt to do a charged heavy strike or you will almost
always be countered before you can finish it. The final heavy attack will
send the nurse slightly back, causing her counter-slash to miss you. At
this point, simply repeat the combo and you will easily kill her without
taking any damage.
Later on you will fight them again while you possess a handgun. There are
a few instances where you will fight many of them at one time (up to 4 at
one point!) The handgun comes in handy here, as you probably could have
expected from their humanoid appearance, aiming for the head is the most
damage. 2 bullets from the handgun should bring one down.
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4b. SWARM (4002)
---------------------------------------------
Effective Weapon(s): Knife, Stomp of Doom
The swarm enemies are more of a nuisance than a real threat. They will always
come in numbers of about 3-4 at once. While on the ground, ready your weapon
and press X near one to do the infamous Stomp of Doom for an instant kill.
If they hover near you, slash them with your knife. If they manage to latch
onto you, mash Circle then press the button that appears on screen for a split
second to throw them to the ground and kill it.
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4c. LURKER (4003)
---------------------------------------------
Effective Weapon(s): Knife, Circular Saw, Crowbar
Lurkers may seem intimidating but are actually weak enemies and can be killed
off very quickly. Their main weakness is their head, to quickly dispatch with
the knife: X (2x) + Square followed by an X + Square will bring down a Lurker
with no damage taken. In later playthroughs, the Circular Saw can usually
behead it in one cut. For another easy means to kill it, use the Crowbar
combo of X + Square which will knock it down, then proceed to use a fully
charged heavy attack on the downed Lurker, beheading it instantly. I am not
completely sure if this works as quickly with the Steel Pipe. Will verify
in a future update.
---------------------------------------------
4d. FERAL DOGS (4004)
---------------------------------------------
Effective Weapon(s): Knife
Yes you guessed it, the knife is again the most effective weapon against Feral
Dogs, and is even said so in the loading screen. X (2x) + Square is the safety
combo to bring it down without damage. You can also use the complete combo
of X (3x) + Square but the time you are vulnerable can allow the dog to attack
you, it also slightly sends the dog away in risk you might not be able to
hit it again right away.
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4e. SMOG (4005)
---------------------------------------------
Effective Weapon(s): Handgun
Smogs are in my opinion, the most difficult normal enemy in the game to defeat
by melee weapon means. I would save handgun ammo simply for killing Smogs.
Before a Smog readies its poisonous gas attack, it exposes its yellow lungs
for a brief second in which a direct handgun bullet will stop the attack,
and send it stumbling backward. Get close to the Smog to trigger the attack
again, and then repeat with a second handgun bullet to the lungs to bring
it down. A shotgun is also highly effective, as one well-placed shotgun blast
to the exposed lungs will kill it, but since a Smog is so easy to defeat with
the handgun, I would save those bullets for other monsters, such as a Siam
or Schism.
You can defeat the Smog using melee weapons but it is risky and you will most
likely lose some health during the battle. If you decide to use melee, try
to circle strafe it as much as possible, and attack it from behind once it
uses its gas attack, but do not stay in that spot for long, or you risk taking
damage soon after.
---------------------------------------------
4f. NEEDLER (4006)
---------------------------------------------
Effective Weapon(s): Knife + Fireaxe Combo, Shotgun
Needlers are right below Smogs as the most difficult normal enemies in the
game. Unlike other enemies, Needlers can block attacks from the front using
their claws, and will counterattack you from blocked strikes. This makes
striking from the back the most useful position to defeat a Needler.
Fortunately, its attacks are predictable, usually using a side swipe which
is easily dodged and can put you behind the monster if you use a direction
with the dodge.
Begin each encounter with a Needler by immediately using a full knife combo
with a fully charged spin cut >at the front of the Needler